In Basel (Switzerland), during preparations for the construction of new communication systems, archaeologists unearthed 15 graves from the early Middle Ages. The fact that there is a burial place in the urban area of Kleinbasel was known to historians back in the 19th century, but over the years, not all of the site has been explored. The previous find was a 6th-century grave with the remains of a young woman.
A new archaeological discovery brought many surprises. Representatives of the local elite were buried in the discovered graves. One of the graves, damaged at the beginning of the last century during construction, became the resting place of a girl buried in the 7th century. Next to the bones lay a gilded disc-shaped brooch. The decoration is covered with a pattern made of gold wire and encrusted with precious stones. Of the clothes, only a leather strap decorated with crosses, as well as a belt with an iron buckle, remained.
Other notable finds include a child's grave with a silver-encrusted belt buckle, scissors, and a comb, and an adult male skeleton with sword marks.
The history of Basel has its roots in ancient times, when the Roman fortified camp Basilea was located in its place. In the III century, the control of the Roman Empire over the region weakened, and in the IV century, the Alemanni tried to cross the Rhine in these places. In 406, during the next invasion, the Alemanni managed to cross over to the other side and settled a significant part of the Swiss plateau. By the 7th century, the newly formed state of Alemannia came under the complete control of the Franks, and Basel continued to grow, surpassing the previously destroyed nearby colony of Augusta Raurica, founded by Lucius Plancus in 44 BC. e.
